Topcoats

A topcoat is often one of the last formal dress purchases a man makes, but it should be the second after a good suit. While the overcoat — the topcoat’s longer brother — is mistakenly considered a better purchase with its insulated lining and wool exterior, it is simply too heavy to wear on warmer days. Hence, the gentleman’s topcoat is the warm, yet tailored, extra layer you should reach for every time a light chill is in the air.

Topcoats are medium-length tailored coats that are made of wool, cashmere or a blend of the two fabrics, and are meant to be worn over a suit. To keep yourself appropriately attired during spring’s suit-wearing occasions, choose from this selection of tailored topcoats.

Robert Villini topcoat

An exceedingly simple coat, it can be dressed down on weekends with patterned trousers or dashingly dressed up when pulled on over a suit and worn with a lightweight scarf. The key element of style with this Robert Villini piece is its hidden button placket — a hallmark of topcoat style — and, of course, its luxurious wool-and-cashmere blend feel.

Jos. A. Bank herringbone topcoat

The velvet collar on this topcoat means you won’t be wearing it to the market on Saturday morning in corduroys, but you will be the proud owner of a topcoat with the sharpest of shoulder lines and a V-neck drop on the chest. This one, fellas, is for dark charcoal, black or gray suits and tuxedos only. You’ve been warned; any ridiculous pairings are your own damn fault.